About ASEC
From Dialogue to Coordinated Action
Bridging the Implementation Gap
Unlike traditional networking platforms that focus primarily on dialogue, ASEC emphasizes continuity, follow-through, partnership development, and long-term impact.
- Strategic alignment of national and private interests
- Cross-sector collaboration and trust building
- High-level professional engagement standards
- Long-term economic and environmental sustainability
- Measurable project and investment outcomes
- Implementation-focused cooperation protocols
The African Strategic Engagement Council (ASEC) is a high-level, execution-driven strategic engagement platform established to strengthen collaboration across diplomacy, trade, investment, innovation, digital transformation, and institutional development throughout Africa and beyond.
ASEC was founded following extensive engagement with diplomatic missions, government leaders, private-sector stakeholders, investors, and international institutions across Africa and the United States.
The organization was created in response to a growing challenge facing many engagement ecosystems: while important discussions frequently take place around economic development, regional integration, innovation, and investment, many initiatives continue to face barriers related to coordination, implementation, continuity, and measurable follow-through.
ASEC addresses this challenge by creating a professional and trusted platform capable of transforming strategic dialogue into practical cooperation and sustainable partnerships.
The organization serves as a bridge between diplomacy and economic development by facilitating executive-level engagement, investment collaboration, strategic partnerships, and implementation-focused initiatives.
Organizational Positioning
Convening top-tier executive leadership to align national priorities with trade and investment initiatives.
Translating diplomatic relations and agreements into practical projects and investment pipelines.
Providing a trusted environment for public-private negotiations, multilateral alignment, and collaboration.
Going beyond talking points to track projects, manage continuity, and solve operational execution barriers.
The organization works closely with governments, diplomatic institutions, development organizations, investors, corporations, academia, and strategic stakeholders to support Africa’s long-term growth and competitiveness.
Founders & Leadership
ASEC is guided by senior professionals committed to strengthening Africa's international and economic ties. The organization is supported by a broader executive leadership structure, advisory network, and strategic institutional partnerships.
Wondson Asfaw
Chairman & Co-Founder
Mulu Endale
Vice Chairman & Co-Founder
Executive Directorate
Prof. Eskinder Ayele
Executive Director
Tadesse Dagnachew
Deputy Director
Dr. Tesfaye Bezabih
Director of Diplomatic & Gov Relations
Belayneh Getachew
Director of Stakeholder Engagement & Sponsorship
Taye Worku
Director of Events
Prof. Hannah Mariam Mehrerte Selassie
Director of Communication
Dr. Simenew Keskes
Director of Finance & Administration
Headquarters & Regional Offices
ASEC’s presence in Addis Ababa strategically positions the organization within the diplomatic and institutional center of Africa, while our Washington D.C. presence links ASEC to major international institutions.
African Strategic Engagement Council (ASEC)
4075 Wilson Blvd Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203
United States
African Strategic Engagement Council (ASEC)
ORDA Building / Amhara Bank HQ
Ras Mekonnen Ave | Legehar
2nd Floor | Suite 235
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia